Short Bushwalks on Walls of Jerusalem (And Where to Camp Nearby)

Walls of Jerusalem National Park sits deep in Tasmania’s Central Plateau Conservation Area, and it’s a different kind of bushwalking to the coastal strolls elsewhere on this list. There’s no road into the park itself — every walk starts with a climb from the car park onto an alpine plateau of dolerite peaks, glacial tarns and ancient pencil pine forest. It’s remote, it’s exposed to Tasmania’s famously changeable weather, and it rewards the effort with scenery that feels a world away from anywhere else on the island.

None of the walks here are flat or short in the coastal-track sense — even the “quick” options involve a solid climb — but they’re all achievable as day trips for reasonably fit walkers with the right gear. Access is via the Walls of Jerusalem car park off Mersey Forest Road, about 68km west of Deloraine via Mole Creek and Lake Rowallan.

1. Trappers Hut Lookout Walk — Walls of Jerusalem

The classic taste of the Walls without committing to a full day. The track climbs steeply through eucalypt forest for about 2.5km before topping out at Trappers Hut on the edge of the alpine plateau, with views back down the valley and a first look at the dolerite peaks ahead. Turn around here, or push on a little further if time allows.

Distance: 5km return • Time: 2–3 hours • Difficulty: Hard (short but steep, ~500m climb) • Dogs: Not permitted (national park)

Nearest campground: Lake Rowallan, a free, unpowered, dog-friendly bush camping area on the drive in, about 9km from the trailhead.

2. Solomons Jewels Walk — Walls of Jerusalem

Past Trappers Hut, the track eases off and winds through a string of small alpine tarns known as Solomons Jewels — one of the most photographed stretches in the park, especially in still morning light. It’s a longer day than the lookout alone but still a there-and-back option that doesn’t require carrying overnight gear.

Distance: ~10km return • Time: 4–5 hours • Difficulty: Hard • Dogs: Not permitted

Nearest campground: Lake Rowallan, free and drive-in, near the trailhead.

3. Wild Dog Creek Walk — Walls of Jerusalem

Wild Dog Creek is the main overnight camping area in the park and a popular day-walk turnaround for anyone wanting to properly get into the plateau country. The track continues past Solomons Jewels along the creek, through open alpine forest, to the camping platforms and toilet at Wild Dog Creek. It’s a solid day out, but well within reach for fit walkers starting early.

Distance: ~13km return • Time: 5–6 hours • Difficulty: Hard • Dogs: Not permitted

Nearest campground: Wild Dog Creek itself has walker camping platforms and a toilet (walk-in only, no dogs) — see Camping Tasmania’s Walls of Jerusalem listing. For a drive-in option, Lake Rowallan is near the car park.

4. Herods Gate Walk — Walls of Jerusalem

For walkers wanting to reach the heart of the park and back in a day, Herods Gate is the mountain pass between Mt Ophel and King Davids Peak that marks the entrance to the park’s central basin. Beyond Wild Dog Creek, the track climbs again to the gate, opening up sweeping views over the plateau’s lakes and tarns. It’s a long, demanding day — start early and keep a close eye on the weather.

Distance: ~14km return • Time: 6–7 hours • Difficulty: Hard • Dogs: Not permitted

Nearest campground: Wild Dog Creek, passed en route (see Camping Tasmania), or Lake Rowallan back at the road for a drive-in base.

5. Dixons Kingdom Pencil Pine Forest Walk — Walls of Jerusalem

The big-day option for very fit, well-prepared walkers. Past Herods Gate, the track drops into Dixons Kingdom, an exceptionally beautiful stand of ancient pencil pines around the historic (and now heritage-listed, shelter-only) Dixons Kingdom Hut. It’s a genuine full-day undertaking and only worth attempting with an early start, settled weather and good navigation skills — many walkers instead treat this as the first leg of an overnight trip.

Distance: ~19–20km return • Time: 8–9 hours • Difficulty: Hard, full-day • Dogs: Not permitted

Nearest campground: Wild Dog Creek (walk-in, passed on the way in — see Camping Tasmania) or Dixons Kingdom itself, which also has walker camping.

Planning Your Trip

A Tasmanian Parks Pass is required for entry to Walls of Jerusalem National Park — day and holiday passes can be bought online or at visitor centres before you go; there’s no ranger station at the car park itself. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in the park, including on all of the walks above — it’s a strictly no-dogs national park and World Heritage Area. If you’re travelling with a dog, Lake Rowallan on the drive in is pet-friendly and a good base instead.

This is genuine alpine terrain with no facilities once you’re past the car park, so come self-sufficient: carry all your water, food and rubbish, and expect the weather to turn quickly and without much warning, even in summer. Snow, hail and strong winds are possible on the plateau at any time of year, so pack warm, waterproof layers regardless of the forecast, and be prepared to turn back if conditions close in. The whole park is a fuel-stove-only area — no open fires.